Two severely emaciated puppies had to be put down by a vet after being dumped in a Romford road.

The tiny white bull terriers were found close to death in Mawney Road - one inside a black bin liner and the other lying listlessly beside it.

The animals, which had overgrown claws, were left late at night on Wednesday August 22, RSPCA investigators said.

A passerby spotted the puppies and rushed them to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, in Ilford, where they were immediately put to sleep to prevent them from suffering further.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector, Imara O’Niocail, said: “They were in a horrendous condition – both pups were beyond the point of emaciation.

“Someone, somewhere, must know who these puppies belong to. I have serious concerns for the rest of the litter and the adults.

“After seven years in the RSPCA, the callous nature of the calls we deal with leaves me bewildered, and especially in this case, where you have two defenceless puppies which have been starved to the point of collapse and then simply discarded as rubbish.”

“The ignorant, selfish, callous owners must be caught. They deserve to feel the full force of the law for what they did.”

Anyone who causes unnecessary suffering to an animal can be sentenced to up to six months in prison and/or a maximum �20,000 fine.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.